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What are the problems with jaw joints in children?

Jaw Joint Problems in Children

The jaw joint, known colloquially as the jawbone, is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) located in front of the external ear. It connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw, or the base of the skull, and is responsible for opening and closing the mouth.

Pathologies in this joint disrupt the alignment between the upper and lower jaws during movement. Just as pathologies in the knee joint lead to restricted and painful movement, problems in the jaw joint can cause irreversible issues. Unfortunately, jaw joint disorders in young children may not present any symptoms. However, as they grow older, especially during adolescence, the following symptoms may begin to appear:

• Clicking sounds and/or pain in the jaw joint when opening and closing the mouth
• Reduced mouth opening
• Pain in the jaw joint while eating
• Jaw locking
• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Facial pain
• Neck pain

Are There Symptoms?

Since jaw joint issues in young children might not show many symptoms, they are often detected during a detailed examination by a specialist. However, with puberty, complaints often increase, and the condition is more common in girls. The prevalence can reach up to 90% depending on the population. As symptoms worsen, families typically consult an ENT specialist.

The causes of this disorder are complex and can only be identified through a thorough examination. One important aspect of this examination is relating the findings to the child’s age.

Jaw joint pathologies can be caused by psychological, physical, genetic, and particularly hormonal factors during puberty. Young children are often inexperienced in handling anxiety, which may lead to teeth grinding during the day or night. This grinding can cause problems in the jaw joint. Additionally, congenital issues with the respiratory tract, systemic disorders like juvenile arthritis, improperly done dental fillings, or bad habits like lip biting can contribute to these problems. Early diagnosis of these disorders can lead to treatment before the condition becomes irreversible.

How is Treatment Done?

In treating jaw joint pathologies, a pediatric dentist identifies the causes and then guides the child to appropriate specialists and provides custom-made splints. Early treatment is crucial for maintaining the child’s physical development and making the treatment process easier. Moreover, the condition tends to respond more quickly to early treatment compared to treatments in later life or adulthood.

As with all diseases, early diagnosis of jaw joint problems is crucial and should be conducted during routine check-ups. Children should have their first check-up with a specialist dentist by the age of one.

For any questions or examinations, our team is here to assist you.

Prof. Dr. Ayça Tuba Ulusoy

Pediatric Dentist Specialist

Yummy Teeth Child & Adolescent

Oral and Dental Health Clinic

Atakum/Samsun